Curcumin and inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory indices, and hepatic features in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsFifty patients with NAFLD were randomized to receive lifestyle modification advice plus either 1500mg curcumin or the same amount of placebo for 12weeks.ResultsCurcumin supplementation was associated with significant decrease in hepatic fibrosis (p<0.001), and nuclear factor-kappa B activity (p<0.05) as compared with the baseline. Hepatic steatosis and serum level of liver enzymes, and tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-alpha) significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.05). None of the changes were significantly different between two groups.ConclusionOur results indicated that curcumin supplementation plus lifestyle modification is not superior to lifestyle modification alone in amelioration of inflammation.Trial registrationIRCT20100524004010N24, this trial was retrospectively registered on May 14, 2018.